The first day is done. It was hectic. Not a lot of time to think about anything but prepping photos sent in by any one of the large army of photographers that stalk the grounds. Well over two thousand images made it through to the server.
This morning I woke up and wanted to go straight back to sleep again - OK, perhaps not much different to any other morning, but really, sleep had a firm grip and didn't want to let go. I stumbled through ablutions, scuffed my feet like a petulant child all the way to the Club, and only perked up when breakfast was mentioned. We trooped off to the Broadcast Centre canteen, site of many raised voice objections to the ridiculous prices that they charge for what is mostly pretty ordinary fare. I decided to have scrambled eggs on toast, because the fried eggs looked jelly-like on top, with a leathery undergarment, unappetising to say the least. I had to ask for new toast, as the two pieces I was given had merely been waved at a toaster and were still supple bits of bread masquerading as their crunchier cousins. I also got a sausage to go with it, only to discover that 'extra' breakfast bits attract a premium of £1 per item. The sausage was nice, but not worth a pound. Rob, who helps me with the photos here, was charged a pound for a (James) hash brown. OK, at a festival, a pound for a hash brownie would be a fair deal, but not so for a tiny fried bit of potato here. Daylight robbery, pure and simple.
Nevertheless, the lacklustre eggs revived my already flagging energy levels, and coupled with a strong coffee left me ready to face the day. I am hoping to get on to Centre or No.1 this afternoon and do some 'serious' photography. Meanwhile here are a few shots from yesterday when I managed to get out and up on the Broadcast Centre roof that affords an excellent view of Court 18. I might nip up there again in a minute if I can.
- Rainer Schuettler smacks a ball in the general direction of Xavier Malisse. Although this shot is a 'simple' one to take, I enjoy freezing the moment and seeing the different approach to serves that each player has.
- He chases down a shot that was eventually called out.
- I love trying this type of shot, setting the shutter speed to something suitably slow, and then moving with the player. I haven't got the technique down pat yet, but I will continue to try it out.
- Malisse, ball on racquet, returns to the eventual victor in this match, Schuettler.
- Another movement shot. Again, perhaps not quite as I would want it to be, but, I love the painterly feel and sense of dynamism you can lend to what would otherwise be just a shot of a player's back.
Photos are coming in already. Having done this for a while it is easy to spot the different styles of some of the better photographers. Through the now roller-blinded windows I can see the sun streaming down. It looks hot out there, and for once I am happy to be sat in the air conditioned coolness of our room.
More, later.
This morning I woke up and wanted to go straight back to sleep again - OK, perhaps not much different to any other morning, but really, sleep had a firm grip and didn't want to let go. I stumbled through ablutions, scuffed my feet like a petulant child all the way to the Club, and only perked up when breakfast was mentioned. We trooped off to the Broadcast Centre canteen, site of many raised voice objections to the ridiculous prices that they charge for what is mostly pretty ordinary fare. I decided to have scrambled eggs on toast, because the fried eggs looked jelly-like on top, with a leathery undergarment, unappetising to say the least. I had to ask for new toast, as the two pieces I was given had merely been waved at a toaster and were still supple bits of bread masquerading as their crunchier cousins. I also got a sausage to go with it, only to discover that 'extra' breakfast bits attract a premium of £1 per item. The sausage was nice, but not worth a pound. Rob, who helps me with the photos here, was charged a pound for a (James) hash brown. OK, at a festival, a pound for a hash brownie would be a fair deal, but not so for a tiny fried bit of potato here. Daylight robbery, pure and simple.
Nevertheless, the lacklustre eggs revived my already flagging energy levels, and coupled with a strong coffee left me ready to face the day. I am hoping to get on to Centre or No.1 this afternoon and do some 'serious' photography. Meanwhile here are a few shots from yesterday when I managed to get out and up on the Broadcast Centre roof that affords an excellent view of Court 18. I might nip up there again in a minute if I can.
- Rainer Schuettler smacks a ball in the general direction of Xavier Malisse. Although this shot is a 'simple' one to take, I enjoy freezing the moment and seeing the different approach to serves that each player has.
- He chases down a shot that was eventually called out.
- I love trying this type of shot, setting the shutter speed to something suitably slow, and then moving with the player. I haven't got the technique down pat yet, but I will continue to try it out.
- Malisse, ball on racquet, returns to the eventual victor in this match, Schuettler.
- Another movement shot. Again, perhaps not quite as I would want it to be, but, I love the painterly feel and sense of dynamism you can lend to what would otherwise be just a shot of a player's back.
Photos are coming in already. Having done this for a while it is easy to spot the different styles of some of the better photographers. Through the now roller-blinded windows I can see the sun streaming down. It looks hot out there, and for once I am happy to be sat in the air conditioned coolness of our room.
More, later.
Posts
